It's an ill wind

Strong föhn winds are forecast for today and with them, a rich agricultural air is spreading over Embach.

The winds mean there will be some strong feelings about – mainly negative. People complain of aches and pains, bad moods and poor sleep while the number of traffic accidents increases. It is a good thing the schools are on holiday – teachers won't have the problem of classes full of grumpy children.

The föhn is bringing warm air – compared with yesterday's 5 degrees Celcius, it is rapidly rising to 20C. It usually brings strong gusts and will put paid to the last bits of snow hanging around on the north-facing slopes and in odd corners.

At the same time we are enjoying a „dung“ week. The accumulation of muck cleaned out from the cow stalls during the winter is now being spread out on the meadows in and surrounding the village. At present it is only the solid stuff which doesn't cause too much of a pong. But before long the tankers will be spraying „Güle“ which will bring an acrid air to the village for a day or two.

It is all part of the rich circle of life which will ensure the meadows are soon awash with the colours of spring flowers which will be mown so that the cattle will enjoy delcious grass during the next winter indoors.